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Autumn Pollen Allergy

Though
pollen can cause a wide variety of allergy symptoms including hives and
eczema, most people with pollen allergies develop respiratory symptoms
such as allergic rhinitis and asthma.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Hayfever
is the more common term for allergic rhinitis. Patients typically have
problems with itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and post-nasal
drip.

Which pollens cause autumn allergies?

Typically
weeds pollinate in August and continue until October or November. The
most common weeds in this part of the country include Ragweed.

I have a lot of weeds around my house. Will getting rid of them help me?

Typically,
pollen will travel hundreds of miles. Since you cannot get rid of all
pollinating plants in such a large region, plant removal near the home
can only provide limited benefit. However, you should avoid large pollen
exposures.

How can I decrease my exposure to pollens?

Since
plants pollinate with the sunrise, one should try to sleep with the
windows closed. Also avoid going outdoors at times when the pollen
counts are high (typically during mid-day). There are other
interventions that may be helpful in diminishing your exposure to
pollens that your allergist can help you with.

Are there other important outdoor allergies that get worse this time of year?

There
are some molds that send out spores in the Autumn. These mold spores
grow on outdoor vegetation and the most prevalent ones are called
Alternaria and Cladosporium.

Do indoor allergies get worse in the Autumn?

Yes,
they do. Many environmental conditions within the typical American home
cause worsening indoor allergies. The important allergens in this
situation include animal danders/proteins and dust mites.

How can I get relief for my Autumn allergies?

As
with all illnesses, you have many options for treatment. Many patients
find that once they find out what they are allergic to, they can
institute adequate avoidance measures to get relief. Other people
require additional treatment options such as medications or allergen
immunotherapy (allergy shots) in order to feel better.

When should I see a specialist?

An
Allergy/Immunology specialist can help you identify exactly which
allergens you are sensitive to. With this knowledge, you can implement
allergen avoidance measures. Of course, in order to start allergen
immunotherapy, your allergist will need to identify your allergic
sensitivities.

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